Now an annual highlight in any London-based art collector’s calendar, Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair returns for the eighth year running.
Transforming a large swathe of Woolwich Works into an open-plan gallery for four days, the Fair features over 1,000 artworks – all for sale – with prints from big-name artists including David Shrigley and Peter Blake, as well as emerging talent and those somewhere in between.
Now the UK’s largest fair devoted entirely to contemporary prints, it’s run by husband and wife duo Jack Bullen and Lizzie Glendinning, an artist and curator respectively, who remain committed to ensuring the fair is accessible for those on all budgets. The majority of prints cost under £1,000, and there are several available for as little as £60.
Ahead of this year’s Fair, Holly O’Mahony spoke to co-founder Lizzie Glendinning to find out more…
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is now in its eighth year. What’s new for this year’s event?
We’ve got a fresh hang of over 500 artists through our curated exhibition, including emerging talent, ones to watch and independent names.
There’s also new galleries in our roster bringing big names, among them Cordelia Parker, Julian Opie, Ian Davenport and Peter Blake.
Expect to find exclusive launches and a packed programme of events, talks and interactive stations from leading curators, collectors and creatives.
We’re also proudly exhibiting beautiful and bold installations from international artists including Mohammad Berangi, and we have Hackney-based artist David Buonaguidi giving a welcome talk.
You mentioned international artists there. How international is the Fair? Do you have an idea of how many countries you’re representing?
We operate an international open call, so the Fair is open to artists from all over the world. We have also been working with embassies and representatives to help and encourage artists to exhibit in the UK – navigating transport and import costs that can often act as barriers for emerging or unrepresented artists.
Within our curated hang, which is made up of artists selected from our open call, we are aware of artists sending work from 40 countries, and then many more will be international residents within the UK.
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair returns to Woolwich Works
You’ve got some big names returning to this year’s festival, including David Shrigley. While his debut print is yet to be revealed, are you able to tell us a bit about what two other art world figures, David Spiller and Gavin Turk, are presenting?
The gallery Atelier Rose & Grey is presenting Gavin Turk’s ‘Holy Eggs’, which will be fantastically bold and colourful.
Tag Fine Arts are launching a brand new text-based print by David Spiller, which is also celebrated by Bonham’s in their presentation for the Fair. Bonham’s are showing works by David Hockney, Harland Miller and David Shrigley to name a few.
There’s also an interactive side to the Fair, with panel talks and workshops for visitors to get involved in. Tell us about the events running this year…
We are very lucky to be able to host some fantastic artists and academics to lead our talks and panels offering. We’ve got daily tours at 1pm and 5pm, live printing demonstrations and some brilliant talks. Highlights include the female-led Oliver Projects running Colouring Outside the Lines with artist Siphiwe Mngami and Art & People Founder Claudia Kennaugh. I’ll personally be hosting a panel discussion on Redefining the Printed Page, with Liorah Tchiprout and The Courtauld’s Rachel Sloane.
Is it family friendly? If so, what will there be to keep little ones entertained?
Completely! Children and dogs are more than welcome, and children under 16 go free!
The Fair is running during half term and we have children’s workshops every day – our hope is for everyone in the family to discover a love of fine art.
There’s a cafe, great art and art educators to make the most of on site too.
Beyond the seasoned masters, which exhibitors are you especially excited to be showcasing and why?
Mohammed Barrangi has created our entrance. He’s a Leeds-based Iranian artist (and Paralympian) who creates sculptural print-based works and installations. He’s just installed a big presentation of his work at the San Diego Museum of Art, so he’s an exciting name to watch.
Natasha Michaels is another artist we’re excited to be platforming. She has created some incredible pieces – I already have my eye on one inspired by the original 17th century documents and designs of the building of Versailles.
The pandemic saw you launch an online iteration of the Fair, which was so successful you’ve since continued to run it in order to offer access to people living further away. Presumably there will be an online Fair running in tandem to the physical one again this year?
Yes! It has been a brilliant tool in reaching international audiences – especially the families, friends and countries of our international exhibitors.
We partner with Artsy for our online edition and also offer a 3D walk-through experience to try to replicate the feel of the Fair.
This tool also allows virtual visitors to view artworks to scale in a space as close to the Fair as possible. Within our website visitors can purchase works from the curated hang and select gallery pieces, view collector highlights, access online talks from Centre for Print Research, and find out more information about our exhibition.
Woolwich Contemporary Print Fair is taking place at Woolwich Works, 11 No 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London SE18 6HD.
October 26 – 29, 12pm – 4pm, or 6pm – 9pm on October 26 only.
Admission: £12 – £20.
